DALTON GA, December 1, 2009 – What was anticipated to take a full year was accomplished two months early. In October, Beaulieu associates surprised their fitness coach (aka Ralph Boe, CEO and President of Beaulieu of America) by crossing the 1 million mile finish line ahead of schedule. Boe led the charge for his “Million Mile Challenge” to encourage all Beaulieu associates to walk each day for better fitness and health by practicing what he preached (by walking 613.1 miles so far this year).

The program began with the new year and ended with a celebration … and a challenge. “I’m so proud of the effort to not only achieve, but beat the 1 Million Mile Challenge. It puts us that much further ahead in being more responsible for our individual health and improved quality of life,” announced Boe. “Our goal for 2 million miles in 2010 can definitely become a reality.”

The Million Mile Challenge encouraged Beaulieu associates to plan walking time into their daily routines. Company management accommodated and even set up walking courses at Beaulieu facilities. The goal was a healthier workforce and holding the line on insurance premiums. Within weeks, reports of successful results were reported to the “Be Your Best” wellness team : pounds lost (7,600 lbs. collectively at last count), lower blood pressures, coming off of medications, etc.

In October, Beaulieu was one of only 820 companies (and the only one in the floor covering industry) to receive the American Heart Association “The Start! Fit-Friendly Company” honors in Fortune magazine. Beaulieu’s walking challenge was recognized as part of a much broader fitness program including healthier choices in company vending machines, easy access to water, “Be Your Best” weight control programs, “smoke outs” to help associates quit smoking, employee newsletters promoting good health and others.

To underscore the feat that their collective feet accomplished, Beaulieu calculated the equivalent of a million miles walked in terms of crossing the state of Georgia, north to south 2,882 times, crossing the U.S. east to west 294 times or taking a stroll around the equator 40 times.

About Beaulieu of America

Beaulieu of America is the largest carpet-only producer in the world, employing over 6,000 associates in over 30 facilities. It is based in Dalton, Georgia and markets carpet brands Bliss by Beaulieu, Coronet, Beaulieu and Hollytex Commercial Solutions. For more information, visit www.beaulieuofamerica.com.